The Bison, Vol. 94, No. 4

BISON SO SO ON N A H A R D I N G U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N

@HUStudentPubs Facebook: Harding University Student Publications

online at thelink.harding.edu

2A

NEWS

THE

September 21, 2018 Vol. 94, No. 4

OPINIONS

3&4A

SPORTS

1&2B

FEATURES

3B

LIFESTYLE

4B

Searcy, Ark., 72149

A NUMBERS GAME Harding Undergraduate Enrollment Harding Enrollment Numbers Fall 2013 - FallDecline 2018 with National and State Trends While Comparable Schools Rise

4,600 4,500 4,400 4,300 4,200

4,486 +1.56%

4,417 +3.01%

4,440 -1.03%

4,418 -0.50%

4,100 4,000 3,900 3,800 3,700

Harding University Undergraduate Enrollment

2013-14

H a r d i n g Un i v e r s it y enrollment numbers fell to 5,122 undergraduate and graduate students in fall 2018, following a decline since 2011.

Harding, however, is not alone in the downward trend.

According to the National

Harding University’s total enrollment has decreased by 17.73% since 2013.

Center for Education Statistics, college enrollment in the U.S. has dwindled since 2010, shrinking from 21 million students to 19.8 million in 2016. In Arkansas, total college enrollment dropped 1.3 percent from fall 2017 to fall 2018, but private institutions have increased 0.5 percent in the same time period, according to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in August 2018 was 3.9 compared to 9.0 in August 2011. When the unemploy ment rate d rops, somet i mes h igh

2014-15

school graduates will join the workforce instead of attend college.

Jana Rucker, vice president for university communications and enrollment, said the trend in higher education also comes from lower birthrates, different educational products and a good economy.

“I think anytime you see the numbers go down, you get a little nervous,” Rucker said. “It affects our ability to do certain things, but we also aren’t sitting still.”

Rucker said the competitive nature of higher education ca l ls for comprehensive techniques: digital campaigns, a platform to keep prospective students engaged throughout the enrollment process and customizable viewbooks tailored to prospective students’ interests.

“We knew Harding was strong,” Rucker said. “Being able to express that in a consistent and powerful and concise way is really important.”

The decrease in enrollment a lso carries f inancia l implications, and though Rucker said a cushion in the budget prevents any changes in staffing at this point, she

2015-16

said this is why they must be aggressive this year to reverse the trend. At this time, Rucker said there will be no rise in tuition directly related to the decrease in enrollment.

“Part of our funding and tuition dollars do fund some of our operational expenses, and so when that revenue decreases, there may be things we have to put off or delay or reduce,” Rucker said.

There are 929 students classified as freshman this year, a 10.59% decrease from last fall.

Mel Sansom, vice president for finance and chief financial officer, said the university expected and budgeted for a decrease of 131 undergraduate full-time equivalent (FTE) students and 16 graduate FTE students. Instead, enrollment dropped by 211 undergraduate and 62 graduate FTE students.

The unaccounted-for drop cost the university $600,000, according to Sansom.

“Financia l ly, we w il l be fine this year,” Sansom said. “We always budget a substantial contingency to handle unforeseen expenses

Percentage of Change Fall 2013 - Fall 2017 9.69%

4.00% 0.00% -6.00% -11.00% -16.00%

3,975 -5.00%

Fall 2013 - Fall 2018

JESSIE SMITH news editor

9.00%

4,184 -5.30%

-5.23%

"

(Fall 2017)

-10.01%

-6.48%

(As of Fall 2018)

-15.26% University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Little Rock University of Arkansas Monticello

Reward vs. risk, 4B

Harding University HU (As of 2018) Data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Harding University

2016-17

2017-18

Percentage of Change Fall 2013 - Fall 2017 8.00%

6.00%

6.21% 3.36%

4.00%

1.87%

2.00% 0.00% -2.00%

-5.23%

-4.00%

(Fall 2017)

-6.00%

-10.01%

-8.00%

(As of Fall 2018)

-10.00%

Freed-Hardeman University Lipscomb University Pepperdine University or drop in revenue. We will also be closely monitoring our expenditures, primarily by delaying some hiring of employees and deferring some maintenance and construction projects.”

Sansom said the university hopes to save by not replacing some positions after retirements and resignations and by reviewing open positions to possibly reorganize duties.

Glenn Dillard who has served as assistant vice president for enrollment management is retiring. His last day is today, Sept. 21. Rucker named Scott Hannigan, director of undergraduate recruiting programs and communications, interim assistant vice president and will take 30 days to review leadership structure and potential candidates.

Hannigan, who recruits in Tennessee, said most students who choose an option other than Harding cite finances as the number one reason.

“There’s a big magnifying glass on college debt right now, and that was not the case five, especially 10 years ago,” Hannigan said. “More people are thinking about that than they ever had before.”

Harding University HU (As of 2018) Data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Harding University

“The cost of college enrollment influenced my decision to enroll at Harding University.”

Strongly Agree (17.22%) Partially Agree (35.53%) Unsure (8.42%) Partially Disagree (22.71%) Strongly Disagree (16.12%) Graphics by DARRIAN BAGLEY

On Sept. 17, Student Publications conducted a survey regarding students’ awareness of their financial situation. After four days of data collection, 273 Harding students responded.

On the other hand, Hannigan said students tend to choose Harding for the university’s academic reputation, relationships and community.

He said the average ACT score increased in the freshman class this year, and several National Merit finalists choose to enroll every year. Harding also recently received two rankings in national media: third in student engagement from The Wall Street Journal and tied for 20th in a list of the best regional universities in the south from U.S. News

In This Issue

Balancing work and school, 3B

2018-19

Counseling requires more staff, 2A

and World Report.

“A free car may not be the most reliable car,” Hannigan said. “Sometimes you have to see what the value is of what you’re getting.”

Hannigan said the approach to recruitment now is similar to the approach in the past, but the way recruiters communicate with students has changed.

“The way we communicate is a lot less fact, fact, fact,” Hannigan said. “We have to tell stories.”

SEE ENROLLMENT, PAGE 2A

Men’s Soccer, 2B

2A | Friday, September 21, 2018

ENROLLMENT, from 1a — the students’ perspectives

Students have also felt the out of obligation than desire. She seriously have like a cabinet with factors that contribute to the said she was drawn to Pepperdine three cans of beans and three decrease in enrollment numbers, for the way they treat students and cans of shredded chicken from both as they come to Harding encourage them academically and Walmart,� Davis said. and as they leave. spiritually.

86% of Harding Students Senior Leah Taylor is a student “I have never felt a larger presence receive financial aid. worker in the admissions office of God than on [Pepperdine’s] Students, on average, as well as a student ambassador. campus,� Chaffin said. “Not receive $9,897.

She gives three tours a week to because it is forced, but because prospective students. they supply outlets in which you “A lot of people are getting can find God free from judgment Davis said he wanted to stay for their associate’s degree, and then or embarrassment, ask questions the environment and the people, they’re not going on to get their that aren’t always welcome in the but he was spending too much bachelor’s ‌ which is a great church, find yourself in a place money for just a nice place. avenue for people who can’t afford far from home and truly listen to “Regardless of how amazing college,â€? Taylor said. “But after other people’s point of view and and wonderful it is – the people, an associate’s degree, you really grow from it.â€? the school ‌ it just became no don’t have many options for jobs, Chad Davis came to Harding longer an option,â€? Davis said. and so I definitely think that an in fall 2015 but left in spring Like Davis during his second undergraduate degree is maybe not 2017. He dropped out the fall year, sophomore Breanna Bonds better than an associate’s degree, semester of his sophomore year also faces the choice of whether but offers you more opportunities.â€? due to health problems following or not to leave the university.

During high school, Taylor a gastric bypass surgery, and he “I wasn’t really a Christian deliberated between attending returned in the spring but withdrew before, but I got a letter in the Mississippi State University and completely that May. mail that looked appealing,�

Harding, but she ultimately chose “ The weight of the cost of Bonds said. “I was like, hey, why Harding to pursue her studies school was really ‌ bearing down not try it out on a trial basis, and in communication sciences and on me,â€? Davis said.

I decided that I was going to try disorders.

N o w, D a v i s w o r k s a s a the first year, see if I liked it. If “One thing I was looking for in a wedding photographer in Fresno, I didn’t, then I’d transfer, but I school was a tight-knit community California. He said he left Harding was here the first semester and and somewhere that I could grow because he did not need to spend fell absolutely in love.� as a person – academically and $20,000 per semester to become Bonds said she does not want spiritually,� Taylor said. “I found a photographer, and, though he to leave, but she lost her honors that here.� felt Harding supported him as scholarship last year. She worked Pepperdine University, Freed- much as possible, student loans for Aramark then and is hoping to Hardeman University and Lipscomb were building. get a job at Subway this year. She Do you know the total said she also has bills outside of University – other private, Church Do you know the total amount of Christ-affiliated universities amount of money you've school, and she sometimes sends of money you’ve borrowed to money home. throughout the U.S. – have notborrowed to attend Harding? attend Harding? publicly released fall 2018 enrollment “If I want to stay, then I have data yet, but have not shown the to work, but if I want to work to same decline in enrollment as be here, then I still have to get Harding since 2013. good grades,� Bonds said. “It’s not No Pepperdine freshman Heather necessarily even that it’s a lot of (33.95%) Chaffin said she chose to attend work hours, but going to school Pepperdine instead of Harding this and then rushing to work – it’s fall because she felt like everyone tiring.�

Yes from her church went to Harding.

(66.05%) 55% of students receive “Don’t get me wrong,� Chaffin federal student loans. said. “Harding and the people there are great, but I knew from “I just always kind of felt weird the start that I wanted something that there were all these kids and A native of Bentonville, different.� other people also my age that had Arkansas, Bonds said several of Chaffin said she found the strict no qualms with going out to eat her classmates chose to join the curfew and dress code unappealing, every single meal, going to Sonic workforce out of high school, and and she applied to Harding more three or four times a day, when I if she had to leave Harding, she

| The average net price of a university is the price of tuition and fees minus the grants, scholarships and education tax benefits students receive.

$16,492 2015

$39,637 2015

$23,426

$18,372

2015

2015

Freed-Hardeman Data From the National Center for Education Statistics

Harding 2013

Lipscomb 2014

Pepperdine

2015

said she would probably join the workforce rather than attend a cheaper school. “I think [Harding is] more expensive than state colleges because it is a private school, but as far as private schools go, I don’t think it’s that expensive,� Bonds said. “I think Harding is cheaper

overall, and they offer more in scholarships. ‌ All of last year I didn’t have to take out many loans because it was basically covered by scholarships.�

Bonds said she is working to earn back her scholarship, and if she does, she can stay. “I love it here,� Bonds said.

Do Your Parents/Guardians Financially Support the Cost of Your College Education?

My Parents/Guardians Pay The Full Cost of College Education (32.23%) My Parents/Guardians Pay Most of the Cost of My College Education (24.18%)

My Parents/Guardians Pay a Small Amount of the Cost of My College Education (26.01%) I Pay the Full Cost of My College Education (17.58%) On Sept. 17, Student Publications conducted a survey of 273 Harding students regarding students’ awarenesses of their financial situation and whether financial aid influenced their decision to enroll at Harding.

Graphics by DARRIAN BAGLEY

First-gen students to receive college mentors AVA GALYEAN student writer

This year, Harding is starting a new program aiming to help firstgeneration freshmen and transfers.

The Center for Student Success program partners first-generation students with a faculty member who was also a first-generation college student in an effort to provide resources and connections.

According to the Cannon-Clary College of Education, “an estimated 50 percent of the college population is comprised of people whose parents never attended college.�

Many college students have a family member to relate and turn to when they are feeling stressed.

Assistant Director for New Student Programs Jessica McCumpsey said the program will communicate to students that they are not alone, and someone will point them in the right direction and offer any resources they need. “Factoring in that there might not be family support or understanding on these questions and concerns or stresses – that’s kind of where this idea was born,� McCumpsey said.

She said the idea of asking for help can be difficult. McCumpsey feels this program will help break down the stigma that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

Jana Rucker, vice president for University Communications and Enrollment and first-generation mentor, said being the first in her family to go to college was really confusing. “I didn’t know what to do. I went to a small Christian school where the advisory was limited, so my advisory resources became my friends,� Rucker said.

Rucker said she wants to help make sure these students feel like they belong. Rucker’s goal is to make sure these students know where they are going, help them navigate life and college and make sure they dream bigger.

Randy McLeod, professor of business and First-Generation mentor, had to work full-time while being a full-time student to put himself through school. He said he understands the importance and struggle of knowing what you want to do and doing it in just four years. McLeod said he is most looking forward to learning these students stories. “That’s part of why you’re at Harding. ... We’re a community of mission, and part of that mission is knowing your story,� McLeod said.

The information session was in Cone Chapel on Sept. 20, and the students shared a meal and met their mentors.

Counseling center expands staff to keep up with demand KYLIE JONES student writer

The Harding counseling center has hired adjunct counselors to account for the surge in students seeking appointments.

Dr. Lew Moore, director of the counseling center, said there are currently six resident counselors on staff and four adjunct counselors that have been added this semester.

Moore said they do not want anyone on a waiting list, which they have accomplished at the moment. He said appointments are difficult to fit into students’ schedules when they are specific with their requests of when and whom they would like to see. “We have a large number of students moving through our systems, but we try to get everyone matched up,� Moore said.

Executive Vice President Dr. David Collins told the center to hire as many adjuncts as needed to match the needs of students, according to Dr. Sherry Pollard,

assistant director of the counseling center. Pollard said she has noticed that counseling is becoming more popular, and she does not know if it is because seeking counsel is less stigmatized or if people are

becoming more aware of the services Harding can provide.

It is recommended by the American Psychological Association that a counselor see only 25-30 patients a week. Pollard said

the counseling center is more worried about the quality of care they provide than the quantity of students they see. “We could technically pack more students in if we saw them for 15- or

Photo by EMILY GRIFFIN

Students traverse the counseling center on Sept. 19. The center hired four adjunct counselors this semester to account for the number of students seeking appointments.

30-minute sessions, but we are not willing to go that route,� Pollard said. Student worker sophomore Lauren Devlin said the counseling center faculty wants to ensure every student receives the help and love they need. She said it is not often that people cannot be seen. “Sometimes the counselors even skip lunch or important family events to be there for [students],�

Devlin said.

The counseling center sessions are confidential, as stated in the Harding University Student Handbook. Students can go to the counselors for personal issues and access support groups and other resources.

As a part of the university’s mission to promote student success in all areas of life, professional help is readily available for anyone in need, according to the counseling center’s website.

The counseling center is located in McInteer 313. The center is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3A | Friday, September 21, 2018

“Racism doesn’t exist anymore so just get over it.”

Bowman Johnson Guest Writer

“B

owman, racism doesn’t exist anymore so just get over it.”

This comment, seemingly off-handed at the time, rang in my ears. I was a freshman, standing in the dorm lobby having a conversation with a few friends. At the time, I did not know how to respond — instead, I just felt stuck.

Even now, as a senior, I can still hear it ringing. The comment has stuck with me throughout my years at school, and

Lew Knapp

it wasn’t until recently that I felt like I could finally verbalize my thoughts on it.

I don’t have a personal vendetta against the comment-maker or anyone else who believes the same thing; I just hope my views are an eye-opening look into a deeply personal experience.

I will never get over the fact that racism still exists. It still happens, even if people do not see it.

There have been too many times when someone looks at me differently just because I am African American. They talk to me differently just because they feel like they have to. Believe me when I say, I can tell when people are talking in a way they aren’t used to. It sounds forced.

I will never get over racism because it is something that I have experienced since childhood. Growing up, it was always hard for to understand why some people would

treat me differently when I was around my Caucasian friends. I felt like some people wouldn’t consider me a person if I didn’t act a certain way or like certain things. I would often overhear people implying that just because I am a minority, I was lesser than them, like we weren’t the same kind of human. Peers would tell me, “My mom said I can’t be friends with you because you’re black.”

“There have been too many times when someone looks at me differently just because I am African American. They talk to me differently just because they feel like they have to.”

– Bowman Johnson, guest writer

I will never get over racism because of the people who endured much more severe treatment than I do today. Without them, I would never have this understanding of racism.

“Racism doesn’t exist anymore so just get over it.”

Ignoring the presence of racism today makes me want to fight harder than ever to expose it. I don’t want to be known by the color of my skin, or the stereotypes people have put in place because of my skin color. I want to be known simply as Bowman — no matter what racism says.

BOWMAN JOHNSON is a guest writer for The Bison. He can be contacted at bjohnson5@harding.edu.

It’s time for the conflict in Syria to end

Guest Writer

T

he last time I wrote an article for The Bison, it was about the missile attacks against the Assad regime by a coalition of France, England and the United States.

Since then, many things have changed in the Syrian Civil War. Let me give you another update on this blood-soaked conflict.

Since April, the war has gone from slowly ending to rapidly ending; maybe even by the end of this year, it could be completely over.

With pro-regime forces recapturing twothirds of Syria, backed by Russia and Iran, Assad can now focus his attention on the last remaining rebel-held province of Idlib, Syria in the Northwest part of the country.

Around the beginning of August, rumors caught wind that Assad was planing a massive invasion of Idlib in order to completely destroy the last remaining rebels in Syria. However, with these rumors, many red flags were waved

by countries such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The U.N. even called out Assad and warned him that millions of Syrians could flee, causing the largest mass exodus in the seven-year war. Reports have also indicated that Assad might have used chemical weapons on Idlib towns, which Assad himself has accused the rebels of staging such attacks. President Trump and German Chancellor Merkel both vowed to prevent this from happening.

While the idea of ending the war is great, the consequences could be costly for Syria.

This past Friday, Al Arabiya reported that thousands of Syrians in support for the Free Syrian Army (rebels) took to the streets within many towns in Idlib. Showing that there are still those who oppose Assad, risking their lives to take to the streets in defiance of the Regime.

The idea of Assad retaking Idlib not only affects Syrians, but neighboring countries like Turkey, who’ve sent military aid to the rebels in Idlib, reports Arab News. In the last seven years, Turkey has taken in three million refugees, which has completely overwhelmed the Turkish government. Jordan has done the same and adding 90,000 more refugees would not help either.

President Erdogan of Turkey and President Putin of Russia met on Sept. 17 to try to negotiate a peace deal between regime and rebel forces. But this isn’t the only thing that’s happening in Syria. Remember IS? Or simply “Daesh” in Arabic, who are still very much alive and active in this conflict?

Their supposed “caliphate” has collapsed, but Daesh leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was caught on a voice recording, confirming he isn’t dead like most western leaders believe.

Kurdish Forces and United States-backed militias have taken the offensive against their last strongholds in southern Syria, but ISIS is still largely active. If the Kurds keep up their offense, then goodbye Daesh.

My biggest concerns are for the Syrians in Idlib specifically. If Assad does assault this province, then thousands would be killed and even more refugees might flee the country, which is a problem, as I don’t think Jordan or Turkey could take anyone else. It looks like this conflict could come to an end, but honestly there’s no telling how Assad and his allies will defeat the rebels and if he even does. It’s about time someone wins this brutal war that has caused such hardships for many.

LEW KNAPP is a guest writer for The Bison. He can be contacted at lknapp1@harding.edu.

From the Benson

“When you see the brokenness that we live in in our time today, then you should know what time it is. It is time to get right, because this world is way too broken for us to stay broken with it.” ­— ALEX JAMERISON, in chapel devotional on Tuesday, September 18.

Shifting Focus Emily Nicks

Opinions Editor

Don’t be like Bob’s mom M

y parents and I stood frozen, eyes darting, sweat beading on our brows. Time was running out, and we knew we needed to act before it was too late.

Taking deep breaths, we plunged into the terrifying mayhem: lunch in the cafeteria on the first day of Summer Stampede.

Our experience at freshmen registration and orientation (now known as Bison Bound) had been pleasant up to that point.

We were excited about this new stage of life and enjoyed learning details of the upcoming transition. But when several thousand people simultaneously ambushed

staffKaleb Turner

the humble Charles White Dining Hall for lunch, I began to fear college more than I ever had before.

After enduring a winding line for an unknown entree, my parents and I had fought our way to the seating area of the caf. Tables were filling up quickly, and purses and jackets were appearing seemingly out of thin air to reserve the few remaining spots. A horrendous thought flitted across my frazzled mind: if we didn’t find seats soon, I may have to sit separately from my parents. We elbowed our way into the fray.

We eventually found a circular table with three vacant, unclaimed chairs, and we happily collapsed into the sanctuary they provided. We had survived. As adrenaline levels slowly relaxed, we fell into casual conversation with the family sitting next to us. These parents were also about to send their oldest child (we’ll call him Bob) to school, and our discussion began to flow freely.

Before long, the conversation turned to what made us pick Harding. We began to discuss other schools we had considered attending. Surprisingly, both Bob and I had been pretty set on another private

university before changing course toward Harding. At mention of this, the other mom grew increasingly disdainful.

“Yes, we thought Bob would go there for years,” she said. “But then some of our friends sent their son there, and he came back … ” Her voice grew to a whisper, as if she was about to utter a curse word. “ … a Liberal.”

Shock. Horror. Outright disgust. Yeah, I didn’t feel any of that. Any surprise my parents and I felt in that moment was related only to the blatant disdain this woman obviously felt about anyone who was not a die-hard Republican. It seemed as though, in her eyes, a liberal was the worst possible thing anyone could be.

As outlandish as Bob’s mom may seem to you, I think we all have the unfortunate tendency to act like her sometimes. We get so set in our own ways, beliefs and principles that we regard anyone who differs from us as less. They aren’t someone with a different opinion; they’re simply wrong.

End of story.

In my first Bible class of freshman year, Dr. Ross Cochran, professor of Bible, said

something that has stuck with me ever since.

He told us that if you ever want to convince someone of your opinion, you must first listen thoroughly to theirs. Before launching into a well prepared argument, listen. Make sure you understand their perspective. If you don’t, listen again. It’s a lofty goal, certainly, but it’s an important one.

As midterm elections approach and the chasm continues to widen between parties, I encourage you to regard those on the other side as neighbors. They may have different opinions, and you may be vehemently opposed on every issue imaginable. You may never feel respected by them, and they may continually plug their ears to what you’re trying to say. Just keep trying. Listen, and listen again. Always stand up for what you believe in, but don’t berate someone else for doing the same thing. And whatever you do — don’t be like Bob’s mom.

EMILY NICKS is the opinions editor for The Bison. She may be contacted at enicks@harding.edu.

Twitter: emilyk_nicks

editor-in-chief Nora Johnson features editor Jessie Smith news editor Jack Allen sports editor Aaron Alexander asst. sports editor

Emily Nicks opinions editor Kendall Carwile lifestyle editor Justin Duyao head copy editor Erin Floyd asst. copy editor Abbey Watson editorial asst.

Emily Griffin head photographer Ryann Heim asst. photographer Loren Williams asst. photographer Ally Parrett digital production editor Anna Little asst. web editor

Chance Gowan head multimedia editor Jordan Huntley asst. multimedia editor Zach Shappley asst. multimedia editor Darrian Bagley graphic designer Elizabeth Shores beat reporter

Sam Shepherd pr/marketing Paden Shelburne asst. pr/marketing Katie Ramirez faculty adviser

Michael Claxton Cassidy Colbert

Ava Galyean Kylie Jones

Tiffany Metts Jed Myers

John David Stewart Lew Knapp

Danielle Turner Bowman Johnson

guest contributors

3A | Friday, September 21, 2018

An Ode to Nancy Kaleb Turner Editor-in-Chief

At the table

T

ailgates, pumpkin spice and still90-plus-degree Arkansas weather can only mean one thing: Fall is on its way.

Frankly, tailgates underwhelm me. Pumpkin spice is gross, in my humble opinion. And, though I’ve lived in The Natural State for 21 years now, I’m still not used to the weather trickery.

While winter is my favorite season, fall is still endearing. I might not be a sucker for fall’s cliche staples, but I most certainly am a sucker for walking across the field to my grandparents house for our fall family gatherings. (That’s not cliche, right?)

For as long as I can remember, our family gatherings, and I’m sure yours too, have been divided — divided between the adult table and the kid table. I’m 21, but I still sit where I was planted years before: at the far right end of the bar attached to the island. My brother has moved himself to the adult table, but he’s engaged now, so maybe his move is warranted.

Adults and kids tables have always been a staple of family gatherings. So, why is sitting at the kids table such a big deal? Why is dignity and humility at risk?

Is it possible that for kids at Thanksgiving, it’s not just smaller chairs and smaller tables, but a symbol of what it means to be left out, to be disregarded, to be lessened?

As candied sweet potatoes made by Aunt Suzie are passed around and Mamaw’s remarkable stuffing becomes the center of conversation for the 40th year running, kids across the dining room are lessened to conversations about the brussels sprouts and what they want for Christmas. And perhaps that’s OK; they’re just kids, after all.

But consider this.

Is it possible that for our brothers and sisters in the height of the Civil Rights Movement, it wasn’t just not getting a burger and fries, but rather a symbol of what it means to be accepted, to be equal, to be human?

As protestors took to the lunch counters, sizzling burgers, crinkle-cut fries and large glasses of sweet tea became spectators to people demanding basic rights. The setting no longer had anything to do with wanting a meal. The diners were no longer just enjoying their lunch break. The store owners no longer just managed their “fine establishments.”

Suddenly, restaurants became a battleground, diners became heckling spectators and store owners became rights violators — all for a chance for a spot at the table.

I’m not complaining about my spot at the Thanksgiving table, to be sure. If I wanted a spot at the adults’ table, I’m sure I could secure one, but my location is prime.

The Thanksgiving feast is spread across the kitchen island where I sit, so I’m within a spoon’s distance of my favorites: creamed corn, fried okra, turkey, gravy and homemade bread. The list goes on.

While I’m not complaining about my spot at the table, I know people at other tables are not so lucky. As conversation surrounding social justice mounts more than it seems it ever has, what’s the next not-so-welcoming table in America?

Is it the stage and pulpit in your hometown church, which creaks with the words of those who have only “traditionally” been qualified to speak God’s word? Is it the witness stand of a courtroom where your testimony is drowned out by the color of your skin? Is it the workplace where you become the receiving end of all jokes simply because of who you love?

It seems a spot at the table has always been something more coveted than it might seem.

If it seems like your spot is taken, broken, damaged, jaded, misrepresented, misplaced or forgotten, please know this: you’ll always have a spot at my table.

KALEB TURNER is the editor-in-chief for The Bison. He may be contacted at kturner3@harding.edu.

Twitter: kalebaturner

Illustration by JOHN DAVID STEWART

Hannah Wise

Class Writer

I

’m not sorry or embarrassed to be single. No, I’m not a part of the group of feminists that believe that men aren’t needed or anything like that — I just recognize that I’m so much more than a girl longing and waiting for the day I can have a partner in life.

Honesty first … I was that girl. Not that I stood around and waited for my prince charming to sweep me off my feet, but I couldn’t picture a future where I wasn’t “married with kids.” It just wasn’t an option.

Even now it makes me happy to imagine the possibility of a future in which I get to be with an amazing man.

However, the older I get, the more I realize that domestic life isn’t the only future I can picture that would make me happy. Being single has made me a dreamer, and it has allowed me to throw my passion into so many other things rather than just one person.

I’m only in my early 20s, and I’ve already been asked (too many times to count) when

All the Single Ladies (and Men) I’m going to get myself a nice guy and stop being so picky. I’ve been told I shouldn’t be holding out for my ideal guy, because they just don’t exist. I’ve been told I need to learn to accept and love the flaws of those “good-enough” guys.

“Most importantly, I’ve gotten to pursue and nurture a relationship with my incredible savior and redeemer ... while single.”

– Hannah Wise, student writer Here’s the thing: I’ve got a great life.

My family and friends are so incredible that sometimes I’m just baffled by how blessed I am. I’ve gotten the chance to travel the world for months. I’ve learned about passions I didn’t even know I had and have grown in them. I’ve worked on projects that I couldn’t be more proud of. I get to go to school eight hours from

home, and I truly love being here. Most importantly, I’ve gotten to pursue and nurture a relationship with my incredible savior and redeemer … while single.

None of this would have been nearly as possible if I was in a committed relationship because, let’s face it, they take lots of work.

I’m in no way saying that, if you find the right person for you, it isn’t totally worth it. But, like my friend once told me, “If my life is this wonderful, it ’s going to take a pretty incredible guy to come flip it upside down, and I’m not just going to let anyone do that.”

I know who I am, and I’m not going to wait on a guy to make my life worthier.

I’m single, and I won’t be upset about it.

Here’s to dreaming big and living life to the fullest!

HANNAH WISE is a student writer for The Bison. She can be contacted at hwise@harding.edu.

What’s Your Opinion?

Contact Emily Nicks at enicks@harding.edu to voice your thoughts and opinions.

Y

ears after he became famous as “The Godfather,” Marlon Brando made a movie spoofing his legendary role.

In “The Freshman” (1990), Brando played a mobster who ran an exotic restaurant called the Gourmet Club. Never operating in the same location twice, this traveling con job lured obnoxious, ultra-wealthy patrons with the false promise of feeding them endangered species for premium prices. In fact, for the privilege of consuming an animal that was the last of its kind, Brando charged a million dollars.

The scam went like this. No rare animals were actually killed. Brando would have his waiters parade a live Komodo dragon around the room in front of his sleazy (and gullible) customers. He even had the former Miss America pageant host Bert Parks singing “Here he is … your Komodo dragon.”

Then, while the marks assumed that the giant reptile was being cooked, the chef would whip up some smoked turkey and serve it to the unsuspecting dupes.

He may have gotten the idea from Leonardo da Vinci.The famous painter once found an oversize lizard in his backyard, and this gave him an idea. He glued some scales all over its body, attached a bat’s wings and somehow even managed to stick a beard to the lizard’s chin. His secret for keeping the animal still for this game of dress-up has been lost to history, but da Vinci apparently kept the fake dragon in his studio and used it to enjoy freaking out his friends.

Ever since I heard that my older brother once caught a large bass, dug a hole in our backyard, filled it with water and charged the neighborhood kids a quarter to see what he billed as a “monster fish,” I have been fascinated with animal scams. One

Animal Rackets Michael Claxton Guest Writer

of the most famous was P. T. Barnum’s Feejee Mermaid from 1842. Barnum ran a museum in New York City that was filled with eclectic exhibits. He once purchased a “missing link” in the form of the torso and head of a juvenile monkey sewn to the back half of a fish.

Barnum whipped up a story that this alleged mermaid had been captured off the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific and put the bogus object under glass in his museum. Barnum then wrote anonymous letters to the newspapers denouncing his own exhibit as a fraud and then responded with more letters to the editor, inviting customers to come to the museum and see for themselves. The scheme worked, and people flocked to the hoax.

Incidentally, in one exhibit room, Barnum placed a sign over a door that said, “This way to the Egress.” Thinking that the egress must be some sort of exotic bird, many people went through the door, only to find themselves locked outside the building. To get back in, they would have to buy another admission ticket. If they complained, Barnum could always point out that technically, “egress” was Latin for “exit.”

Even his competitors couldn’t resist animal frauds.When Barnum spent a fortune to have a rare white elephant brought over

from Burma in 1884, he was disappointed to see that it only had small splotches of pink coloring. He billed the elephant as a scarce specimen just the same. That’s when his rival, Adam Forepaugh, went so far as to paint an elephant white to attract the crowds to his circus. Barnum retaliated by painting his elephant even whiter. When Forepaugh’s elephant eventually died of old age, Barnum quipped that it was “dyed” already.

As distasteful as they seem to the modern palate, at least these hoaxes had a certain amount of ingenuity to them.Today’s animal scams are just plain sad. Con artists list nonexistent puppies available for free on Craigslist, tricking buyers into paying shipping and insurance fees. Online criminals also make a fortune selling fake legal documents that allow people to bring emotional support pets onto airplanes. Nineteen states have even passed laws cracking down on people pretending that their dogs are service animals.

Which of course reminds me of a classic joke. A man is out walking his chihuahua and goes into a restaurant. The waiter stops him at the door: “I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t allow dogs in here.” So, the man goes home, waits a month and then puts on some dark sunglasses and takes his dog back to the same restaurant.

The waiter stops him and says, “I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t allow dogs in here.” The man answers, “But I’m blind, and this is my seeing-eye dog.”

The waiter is incredulous: “Your seeingeye dog is a chihuahua?”

To which the man answers, “They gave me a chihuahua?”

MICHAEL CLAXTON is a guest writer for The Bison. He can be contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.

At the Bison, it is our goal to serve the Harding University student body with integrity, truth and open ears. However, we believe that meeting that goal is a two-way street between our staff and the public it serves. We pledge to keep our eyes and ears open to what our community has to say and hope that, in return, that community will be an interactive audience, sharing its stories with us. We also pledge to do the basics: Report accurate and relevant information, check our facts, and share them in a professional, timely manner. If you have any story ideas, questions, comments or concerns for the Bison staff, please email Kaleb Turner, the editor-in-chief, at kturner3@harding.edu. “The Bison (USPS 577-660) is published weekly (except vacations, exams and summer sessions), 20 issues per year, by Harding University. Periodicals postage paid at Searcy, Arkansas 72143. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bison, Harding University 11192, SEARCY, AR 72149-0001.” BYLINE POLICY: The Bison provides an opportunity for class writers to contribute work under the byline “guest writers.” Due to this arrangement, staff writers may rewrite a portion of the guest writers’ stories as they deem necessary, while still identifying the work as the guest writers’ own.

BISON SO SO ON N

THE

A H A R D I N G U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N

online at thelink.harding.edu

Delusional Optimism Jack Allen

Sports Editor

The Agony of Defeat

Losing sucks.

It was a cool, sunny and wet Saturday morning, and I was preparing to run yet another cross-country race.

This was typical my freshman year of high school, trading in precious hours of sleep for the chance to die a slow, painful, three-mile-long death.

It started off as any race did for me: slowly. And it continued that way for the next three miles.

The bags under my eyes were only lighter than the sandbags that seemed to be tied to my legs. For three miles, I labored through hill and plain, desperately hoping to make it to the finish.

The finish was the best part of the race: a 400-meter straightaway with more than 500 screaming parents, friends and coaches, pushing the runners to give everything to finish strong.

In a race with more than 200 runners, you would always find yourself neck-and-neck with another runner as you came to the finish, no matter how slow you may have ran.

You could look each other in the eye, give a wry smile and race through the tunnel of cheering onlookers.

On this fine morning, however, as I galloped up to speed, my yellowjerseyed opponent forced me in the direction of a big puddle. I knew that would not phase me. I clamored through the puddle, eyes narrowed on the finish.

The first step: water up to my ankles. The second step: water up to my knee.

My mom had her camera out at the perfect time to capture me falling face-first into a puddle of mud and regret.

Losing sucks; just ask Vinko Bogataj.

Although you have probably never heard his name, your parents have likely seen his story.

A ski jumper from Yugoslavia, Bogataj entered a competition in West Germany. Midway through one of his runs, Bogataj realized the conditions were unsafe for him to jump. He tried to abort his run but wiped out instead, rolling headover-ski down the mountain.

The spectacle was caught on camera and was featured in the ABC show “Wide World of Sports” behind Jim McKay’s classic line, “The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat.”

Now, Bogataj is not remembered for his successes on the hill, but rather for the agony of his defeat.

Almost two weeks ago, when Harding football lost to Southern Arkansas University, the pain of defeat stung. No longer ranked in the top 10, Harding was forced to re-examine its preseason expectations.

As I laid face-first in the puddle, I had two options: drown in misery and the agony of defeat or get up and beat the next guy coming behind me.

There is always a chance at redemption, and on that day, I got mine.

Vinko Bogataj went on to compete in many more competitions and now works as a coach for Slovenian ski jumpers. His redemption came when one of his pupils, Franci Petek, won the 1991 World Ski Championship.

Now, Harding gets the chance to continue its path to redemption, following a 42-0 blowout of Southern Nazarene University.

Losing sucks, but we have to understand that sports present the constant opportunity for redemption.

There is always a next game or a next year to turn “the agony of defeat” into the “thrill of victory” once again.

Even in defeat, delusional optimism still rings true.

JACK ALLEN is the head sports editor for the Bison.

He may be contacted at jallen10@harding.edu.

Searcy, Ark., 72149

Bison golf scores strong start

Photo courtesy of HARDING SPORTS

Freshman Ryan Camras putts during practice before the season on Sept. 10. Camras tied the school record for lowest score in a round by shooting a 66 at the MULE invitational.

Photo courtesy of HARDING SPORTS

Lady Bisons senior Delaney Bowles gets some putting practice in before the season on Aug 27. Bowles and the rest of the team will travel to Oklahoma for a tournament starting Sept. 24.

New golfers shine in early-season tourney success TIFFANY METTS student writer

The men’s and women’s golf team began their 2018-19 golf season earlier this month. The men’s team finished sixth at the MULE tournament hosted by the University of Central Missouri on Sept. 10. The women’s team traveled to Oklahoma to take part in the Northeastern State University Golf Classic, where they finished 15th.

The men’s team is the youngest team that has been at Harding in the last five years. Harding’s Golf Head Coach Dustin Howell is holding high expectations for both the men’s and the women’s teams.

“Having that young of a team is terrifying as a coach — to put untested people out on their very first

college tournament,” Howell said.

“They stepped up to the challenge, and after two rounds, they were leading the tournament. It was a pleasant surprise to see them respond that well.”

The women’s team is returning several players from last season. That experience is important for the team to have, according to Howell.

“For the ladies, the expectation is high for the season because there are a lot of older classmen,” Howell said. “The individuals we have returning this year played the previous fall, and they played really well, so I am hoping that we can pick that right up.”

Freshman Ryan Camras, who lead the team in the MULE tournament, shot the third 66 in program history, tying the school record in his first

round for Harding golf during his first tournament.

“The season has started great.

As a team, we played well the first two rounds at the MULE, then we didn’t finish it off but showed a lot of potential,” Camras said.

“My expectations of myself are to do my part for the team to help us be the best team Harding has ever seen and to make it to the national championship.”

Both teams were picked to finish top five in the conference preseason rankings. The young season has already had some career highlights.

Senior Delaney Bowles shot a 76 at the NSU Classic, which was the best in her Harding career.

“In my opinion, we had a great start to our season,” Bowles said.

“Not everyone played as well as they

would’ve liked, but there is always room for improvement. Our team score for the first day was great, and I hope that we can continue that for the rest of the year.”

The Harding golf teams will continue their season next week with two separate tournaments in Oklahoma: the men will play at the Missouri State University Invite, and the women will play in the Oklahoma Baptist University Fall Invite.

“We still have a year of golf left to play, but each year we set out a goal of chasing the conference championship,” Howell said. “Golf in the Great American Conference is exceptionally strong and competitive.

If we can just play well in the conference tournaments, we know that we will do well going into the postseason.”

Women’s social club Pi Theta Phi (PTP) and women’s social club Zeta Rho play head-to-head in an A-team club softball game on Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Both teams are in the top division, and Zeta Rho took home the win at the playoff game. Softball playoffs for women’s club will last through the end of the month. The next club sport for women’s clubs is soccer.

Men’s social club Theta junior Grady Moore challenges for the ball against men’s social club TNT sophomore Ben Shearer on Tuesday, Sept.

18, at the intramural fields.

TNT won the match. This was the first round of the soccer playoffs for men’s social clubs. The soccer playoffs will continue through the end of the month. The next club sport for men’s social clubs will be softball, which is set to begin Sept. 27.

Photos by EMILY GRIFFIN

2B | Friday, September 21, 2018

Powering through injury AARON ALEXANDER asst. sports editor

Photo by EMILY GRIFFIN

Sophomore quarterback Preston Paden is tackled by two players from the Southern Arkansas University defense at First Security Stadium on Sept.

9. Harding lost 28-23. Their next home game is Sept. 22 against Oklahoma Baptist University.

If failure is a part of life, then injuries are a part of sports. Injuries seem to be more prevalent in contact sports like football, soccer and basketball, but injuries can happen anywhere from gymnastics to the gridiron.

Over the past several years, the one injury that has left the sports world uneasy is concussion.

A fear of concussions is leading to major rule changes in sports like football, where contact to the helmet area is now forbidden. Several youth soccer leagues do not allow heading the ball to prevent that contact at a young age. “ W hen it comes to concussion, we are looking for them more now,” Head Women’s Soccer Coach Greg Harris said. “We are more careful with head injuries now than we were three or four years ago.”

Yes,concussions can be scary, but all injuries impact athletes.

Harding’s Head Athletic Trainer Ronnie Harlow said after injury, athletes can go through several stages including denial and depression but also determination.

“They can kind of go through a funk because their season may be over, and they don’t

know what to do,” Harlow said. “But after a while they begin to start thinking positively and begin making efforts to get back to the field.”

Most college athletes have trained their whole lives to play at the collegiate level, so when an injury happens, they want to get right back in the game.

So many athletes will go through months of rehabbing an injury just to get one more minute of game action – Greg Harris, women’s head soccer coach “Most athletes will play through anything — a shoulder, a knee, an ankle — because they love what they do,” Harris said. “Coaches and athletic trainers have to be watchful and objective when athletes want to play through injuries, because they know there is more to life than sports.”

Harris said the worst part about injuries is not having players as involved with the team. Players spend practice time rehabbing and do not get to go through drills and exercises. He said practice is sometimes harder than the game, and when teammates

go through a hard practice together, it strengthens their comaraderie. Harris said that it is always great to see injured players and encourage them on home game nights.

“It takes a strong person to go through the injury recovery process,” Harris said.

One of those athletes is Bison’s senior defensive back Brandon Brice, who battled a shoulder injury his freshman season. Brice said he was initially able to play through it, but would need to be in a sling for six weeks and to refrain from anything physical for five months. Brice said the mental effects of the injury were often worse than the physical. After he returned to play, Brice made sure that he was not hesitant in his reactions on the field.

“If you play worrying about getting hurt, then typically, that is when an injury happens,” Brice said.

Injuries are a part of an athlete’s life. When you get to the college level, most athletes experience some form of injury, Harris said. But the drive and determination to come back have him marveling at his players.

“So many athletes will go through months of rehabbing an injury just to get one more minute of game action,” Harris said. “That’s just who they are.”

Men’s soccer starts season first place in conference

JED MYERS student writer Starting the season off in first place in the Great American Conference (GAC), the men’s soccer team kicks off the season strong with their eyes set on the conference championship.

However, this year, several unexpected challenges are set before them.

The team has played well, despite some key injuries, winning four of their first five games. Harding’s 4-0-1 start is the best five-game start in program history.

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jon Ireland said, while there have been more wins than losses, there is room for improvement. “ Yo u h a v e t o p l a y consistently good no matter who you are playing,” Ireland said. “If you want to be a

championship team, you have to be consistent. You can’t turn it on and turn it off.”

Ireland said goals for this season include a win for the conference championship and making it to the NCAA tournament. From the team’s perspective, these are both the end goal for the season.

Ireland said, in order to achieve this, the team needs to stay healthy and play.

The young season has seen some notable individual performances. Senior goalkeeper Michael Wasson has been named the GAC Goalkeeper of the Week three weeks in a row. Wasson has two shutouts on the season, and he reeled in six saves Sunday on the road against Lindenwood University. The team as a whole has swept the players of the week awards the past two weeks.

Ireland, however, wants

LIGHTNING ROUND WITH HARDING ATHLETES

the team to focus on getting better every day. Rather than looking too far ahead, the team focuses on how they can achieve their goals right now.

“The group has worked well together thus far,” freshman midfielder Jack Savage said. “But there is always room to improve.”

During their four-game winning streak, the team had a plus five goal differential, including two shutout wins against Oklahoma Christian University and Southwest Baptist University (SBU).

Even though the season is young, Harding is in a good spot atop the conference.

Savage said it has been fun playing with the team thus far.

“We all the love the game, and we love our team,” Savage said. “That is what I really enjoy about this program.”

Hayley Kate Webb basketball

Photo by EMILY GRIFFIN

Senior midfielder Julio Martins pushes the ball up the pitch against William Jewell College on Sept. 4 at Stevens Soccer Complex. Their next home game is Sept. 25 against Mississippi College.

Brian Drew

Katie Dather

football

volleyball

Haley Claire Mathis Cheyenne Brown

cheerleading

basketball

Do you play “Fortnite”?

Yes, I actually won a game with no kills.

A few times. I had a six kill game once.

Yes, I won game of duos once.

No, I’ve never played.

No, I’ve never played.

Could you kick for the Cleveland Browns?

Probably.

Sure.

Yes.

Maybe.

Yes.

If you could add one sport to Harding what would it be?

Curling.

Hockey.

Gymnastics.

Gymnastics.

Gymnastics.

What is one show you wish was on Netflix?

“Hannah Montana.”

“One Tree Hill.”

“Spongebob Squarepants.”

“Lie to Me” season two.

“One Tree Hill.”

FEATURES 3B | Friday, September 21, 2018

Finding the right

BALANCE Outside of the classroom, Harding students carefully juggle schoolwork with jobs at local businesses

Namastaying in school DANIELLE TURNER student writer

Mind, body, spirit — the pillars senior Carlie Sobol said NoomaLIFE prioritizes in their fitness studio.

According to Noomalife.com, Nooma is a “mind-body” experience studio, seeking to help customers create a healthy lifestyle by connecting them to their own minds, bodies and spirits through various workouts.

“I have an interesting role because I teach their hot yoga on Wednesday nights, but I’m also doing sort of an internship, and I’m working with them to help on the business side,” Sobol said.

Sobol, a management major, has been a certified yoga instructor since summer 2017. She teaches a hot-yoga class at Nooma, works at the front desk and helps with their business and marketing plans, along with being active in her social club and a full-time student. She attributes her time-management skills to her type-A personality and her background in balancing school and dance throughout high school.

“It’s fun because I get mostly students, and I know them. ... I can relate to them ­— I feel like I’m a better teacher to those I can relate to.”

– Senior Carlie Sobol When it comes to teaching her peers and classmates, Sobol said that it is good to see both people she knows and meet new people through Nooma.

“It’s fun because I get mostly students, and I know them. … I can relate to them. I feel like I’m a better teacher to those I can relate to,” Sobol said.

The summer after her sophomore year, senior Allie Lowe became certified in group fitness and began attending Nooma as a student. Lowe said one of the owners of Nooma, Casey Cox, pushed her to become more confident in herself and to start teaching at Nooma.

“Nooma is where I go to relieve stress, so it’s not a sacrifice for me, it’s a treat. I have to remind myself that it’s something I need for my body and my mind,” Lowe said.

Lowe teaches a low-impact heated workout class at

Photo by LOREN WILLIAMS

Senior Allie Lowe teaches a low-impact heated workout class at NoomaLIFE on Sept. 17. Lowe said she began teaching at Nooma her sophomore year because of the encouragement of Nooma owner Casey Cox. Nooma in the evenings. Because her class is in the evening, many Harding students attend.

“There’s a lot of people whom I met through Nooma that are my age and that I go to school with whom I didn’t know otherwise, so it’s cool to be able to connect with peers in that way,” Lowe said.

Senior Kailey Thornton has attended various Nooma

classes since last September with both student instructors and full-time instructors.

“With a student instructor, there’s definitely an excited energy because you’re excited to see what they will do,” Thornton said. “It’s like she’s on my team. She’s one of us and that sets it apart from other classes.”

Managing to make it CASSIDY COLBERT student writer

This semester, junior social work major Julia Hensley not only has to manage school work and an officer role in women’s social club Delta Nu — on Aug. 14, Hensley became the manager of Mr. Postman Expresso, where she works just over 20 hours a week.

“They said that junior year is the hardest, which is what I’m learning. But I could not imagine not being at Mr. Postman,” Hensley said. “Everyone works with me here and helps me out so it really is not bad at all. I enjoy it.”

As manager, Hensley is in charge of the upkeep of the store, managing the stock, helping customers and directing employees. Hensley also serves as the right-hand woman for Mr. Postman owner, Allison Dennison.

“From day one, Julia was enthusiastic about Mr. Postman and serving others,” Dennison said. “She has also been in charge of our social media for almost two years and is extremely talented.”

“Being here allows me to be out of the Harding bubble. ... I get to meet people who are a part of the community.”

– Junior Julia Hensley

Photo by RYANN HEIM

This August, junior Julia Hensley took on the role of manager at Mr. Postman Expresso. Hensley said finding time to fulfill her responsibilities as a student and employee could be difficult, but she appreciated the challenge.

From the very beginning of her time at Harding, Hensley said she knew she wanted to work at Mr. Postman.

“I love being here every day. It’s an escape,” Hensley said. “Being here allows me to be out of the Harding bubble. … I get to meet people who are a part of the community.”

Balancing her busy schedule can be overwhelming, but Hensley said she has found ways to make the most of it.

“Luckily, I’m friends with all of the people that work here, so my social life happens here,” Hensley said. “I can talk and catch up with the girls that work here. ... We call each other family.”

When she is not at work, Hensley spends her time hanging out with friends while studying, attending Delta Nu events and meetings and making time for Sanctuary on Monday nights. According to Hensley, being busy is how she wants life to be.

“I’m growing up, I have so much responsibility. There is a lot that depends on me doing my job right, so it’s nice to constantly be working and to be thinking about what is next,” Hensley said.

Hensley compared her responsibilities at Mr. Postman to getting a new puppy.

“You love that puppy, but you have to potty train it, and it keeps you up all night,” Hensley said. “It can be stressful, but you would never give up your puppy.”

Despite the stress, Hensley said the community at Mr. Postman is special and makes the job mean more than just a paycheck, and her fellow employees make the job easier and more enjoyable as well.

“The community at Postman has been one of the biggest blessings during my college years … they have become my family,” Hensley said.

4B | Friday, September 21, 2018

The Bison’s Guide to

Family Weekend , Chapel

Benson Auditorium

9

1

p.m.

Administration Auditorium

The Campus Activities Board is showing “Incredibles 2” in the Administration Auditorium at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Free with a CAB Pass or $2.

Se

a.m.

Everyday at either 9 or 10 a.m. students and faculty meet in the Benson Auditorium for chapel.

CAB Presents: “Incredibles 2”

y 1 2 a r d i e Fr ptemb

7

College 101 for parents Cone Chapel

For many parents, this is their first time sending a child to college. The goal of this parent-focused meeting is to provide basic information about college.

p.m.

8

p.m.

Just Fall Fest Zion Climbing Center Diamond A, Nordista Freeze and Sawyers Mill are all performing at Just Fall Fest at Zion Climbing Center on Spruce Street in downtown Searcy starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Searcy Farmers’ Market Downtown Square

Every Saturday morning, local farmers come to the White County Courthouse on West Arch Avenue to sell fresh produce. The farmers market is open from 8 a.m. to noon.

, y a 2 d 2 r r u e t Saptemb Se

8

a.m.

9

a.m.

Softball

Lady Bisons vs. Central Baptist Harding Softball Field

Starbucks Hangout

On Campus Starbucks Come to the on campus Starbucks for drinks, snacks and fellowship.

12 p.m.

Come and support the Lady Bisons softball team as they play Central Baptist University at noon.

6

p.m.

Football

Bisons vs. Oklahoma Baptist First Security Stadium Come support the Bisons football team as the play Oklahoma Baptist University.

Tailgates begin at 4 p.m., and kickoff is at 6 p.m.

Graphic by KENDALL CARWILE

Photos by EMILY GRIFFIN AND LOREN WILLIAMS